Atlético Madrid manager Diego Simeone has expressed his unhappiness over his failure to take Cristian Romero away from Tottenham Hotspur, after making an initial approach in the past.
The Argentina international joined the Premier League side on loan from Atalanta in 2021. He made his stay permanent the following year and was a regular at Tottenham.
Romero played 153 matches for Spurs and had played a key role in their Europa League success in 2025. He had initially decided to leave the north London club for the La Liga side last summer.
However, a move never took shape, and Tottenham offered him an extension in August 2025. After finishing 17th and missing out on Europe, the centre-back left them for the Madrid club in August.
Tottenham blocked Atlético move in 2025
Last summer, Los Rojiblancos made multiple attempts to sign the 28-year-old from Spurs, who rejected their formal approach. In July 2025, Diego Simeone’s side had received a ‘resounding rejection’ from Tottenham Hotspur.
Atlético Madrid were then ready to offer around €55m, but the English club refused to open the exit door.
In the last window, Cristian Romero left Roberto De Zerbi’s side for the Spanish club for a reported fee of around €40m. He made his debut as a substitute in their 3-0 defeat to Athletic.
Since then, the former Spurs star has started six matches and Atlético won five of them, conceding four goals. The only defeat was against Liverpool in the Champions League. Romero has had a key role in improving the club’s recent defensive record.
Romero came close to leave Tottenham in the past
On Tuesday, Cristian Romero played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 Champions League win over Manchester United.
In his post-match press conference, Diego Simeone hailed the Atlético Madrid summer signings and Mundo Deportivo have relayed his comments. The manager opens up about his disappointment over not signing him from Tottenham Hotspur earlier.
When asked about the South American’s influence, he said: “We’ve wanted Cuti [Romero] for two years now, we were close two years ago, unfortunately we had to wait another year.”
“He’s different, he has presence, leadership, things you either have or you don’t, and he has them with humility and respect for his teammates. He’s just arrived, but he has an important role and is showing what a player he is, game after game.”
Simeone can put the past disappointment behind him and focus on getting the best out of Romero. Meanwhile, Spurs have struggled since Romero’s exit as they are yet to register a league win after six matches.
